Driving in Germany, License?

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Vee

They won't have a problem at all.
If they do not intend to become residents of Germany, U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses (source: http://germany.usembassy.gov/acs/drivers_license.html)

They can also rent vehicles with their US license, my friends did it all the time.

However, if they want to drive your vehicle, it's a tax issue and you'll need to get approval from the customs office first.
Just go to your military customs office and fill out an application form (AE Form 550-175C-R). You will need your visitors' passport numbers. Also, if your relatives or friends are not available to fill out the forms in person, you must have a clear fax copy of the passport and stateside or international driver's license.

johnny4nuthin

Actually, your US driver's license is good for up to six months in Germany. If you plan on driving in other countries, you will need an international driver's license for many of them. Actually, military DLs are acceptable for as long as you are stationed there, provided you live on post and not off post

If you plan on staying (or driving) in Germany for over six months, you are supposed to get a German license. Depending on which state you are from, this can be very simple or a big pain in the ***. I come from Cali so it is a pain in the ***. Some states have agreements with EU countries, Cali does not. BTW...after six months, you will get a slap on the wrist and pay a fine. They don't throw you in jail or anything.If you do it over and over (get CAUGHT over and over that is), then they might throw you out of the country.

travelhun

Ask your friends to apply for an international driver's license - they need to do it at home though, not in Germany.

DeSaxe

Vee has the correct answer.

As a private person your USA state side license is good for 6 months. (As mentioned)
You can also get an international license should you Travel outside Germany you would be covered and you can drive longer than 6 months.
As Vee mentioned the problem is if you have a USAREUR Drivers license and a USAREUR registered vehicle. USAREUR registered vehicles can only be driven by USAREUR licensed drivers.
Your family driving your USAREUR registered vehicle with a state side license may cause you and them severe consequences. If stopped they will be subject to a fine for a tax violation, illegally operating a SOFA protect vehicle in Germany.
As Vee stated go to your local military customs officer and see what can be done.

labia69

When I lived there I got a International drivers license but your military one should be fine

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